Chivas USA defender Steven Purdy rejoined the club for his first training Thursday since returning from his stint with the Salvadoran National Team in its participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. La Selecta advanced out of the initial group phase with a win and a draw but were eliminated by the U.S. Men’s National Team in the Quarterfinals to cut their run short of the Finals, which is now set with the Stars-and-Stripes meeting Panama this Sunday.

In his first season with the Rojiblancos, Purdy, a native of Northern of California and Cal Berkeley product, has made three starts with the Goats, while earning two call-ups this year for his mother’s native El Salvador. Purdy recorded 90 minutes in the 2-2 tie against Trinidad & Tobago and now returns to the Red-and-White after nearly a month stay with La Selecta, and as always the center back expressed his gratitude for the experience and selection.

“It was great,” said Purdy who brought his international cap total to 17. “Whenever I’m with them I’m always proud of representing a country, a culture. We were able to play some good soccer. There are still things that we need to get going for our national team but it was a great experience and I’m looking forward to the next time.

“Just being with all my teammates and fighting for a common goal and putting all that effort in training and seeing those things come out in the games is exciting. And also making it to the Quarterfinals, being able to compete and show that we have good soccer.”

Purdy, 28, rejoins a Red-and-White squad with some new key figures on their roster, as forward Erick “Cubo” Torres and fellow defender Carlos Bocanegra joined the club in early July and have already made an impact in their debuts. Also adding to the depth chart on the back line is newly-arrived Chivas Academy product Jaime Frias who was added to the roster last week. And the fourth-year MLS defender says he is excited to add to that influx of players with the Rojiblancos, who will next battle Western Conference rival Seattle Sounders FC on the road this Sunday.

“I’m really happy to be back,” added Purdy. “I’ve been following the team and the games. It seems like things are on a really good track right now and I’m just excited to help the team whatever way I can. First and foremost I hope the team continues to do well. It was a tough month of a lot of training, but I feel good. It feels like I’m one hundred percent so I’m ready to give my all for Chivas USA now.”

The big center back will look to earn a spot in Head Coach Jose Luis Real’s 18 as the Rojiblancos travel to Seattle this Saturday ahead of their Major League Soccer Week 22 match, which will mark the sides’ second of three meetings this season.